Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) assesses trade occupations for migration — cooks, chefs, carpenters, electricians, mechanics and more. The right program depends on where you trained and where you are now.
TRA confirms that your trade skills and experience meet the Australian standard for your nominated occupation, so you can claim it for a points-tested visa such as the 189, 190 or 491 or an employer-sponsored pathway.
Unlike most authorities, TRA runs several distinct programs, and the one you use is determined by your circumstances — your qualification, your experience, whether you're onshore or offshore, and your passport country. Choosing the correct program first is the whole game.
Official information: see Trades Recognition Australia and the MSA program page.
Book a consultation to confirm the right TRA program and avoid paying for the wrong pathway.
Each program suits a different situation. We confirm the one you're eligible for.
| Program | Broadly for | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) | Qualification directly related to your occupation + required experience | $720 review $645 |
| Job Ready Program (JRP) | Australian VET graduates working in Australia | $3,410 (3 steps) |
| Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) | Eligible offshore applicants from nominated countries | Varies (paid via RTO) |
| Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) | Subclass 485 graduate visa applicants | See TRA schedule |
A successful MSA is for migration only — it does not award an AQF qualification or licensing. If you need a qualification or licensing pathway too, OSAP may apply. Fees are set by TRA and change — confirm on the TRA website.
| ANZSCO | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 351411 | Cook |
| 351311 | Chef |
| 331212 | Carpenter |
| 341111 | Electrician (General) |
| 321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) |
| 394111 | Cabinetmaker |
| 331111 | Bricklayer |
| 334111 | Plumber (General) |
Confirm your code and that TRA is the authority with our ANZSCO occupation search.
Trade assessments lean heavily on evidence of hands-on experience. We confirm what your program needs.
TRA assesses trade occupations such as Cook (351411), Chef (351311), Carpenter (331212), Electrician (341111), Motor Mechanic (321211), Cabinetmaker, Bricklayer and others where TRA is the listed assessing authority.
The main ones are MSA (qualification + experience), the Job Ready Program (Australian VET graduates working here) and OSAP (eligible offshore applicants). TRA also offers Migration Points Advice and Provisional Skills Assessment.
The MSA fee is AUD $720 (review $645). The Job Ready Program totals AUD $3,410 across three steps. OSAP fees are paid via the online portal and vary by RTO.
A 12-month, employment-based assessment for international student graduates of an Australian VET course working here in their nominated occupation, providing a pathway to a skilled visa.
A successful MSA is for migration only — it doesn't award an AQF qualification or licensing. If you need those too, OSAP may apply.
The general rules are above. These next calls decide your outcome — and they need your documents to answer. Guess wrong and it can cost months and fees:
Last reviewed: June 2026 — authority rules and fees change; we confirm the current position for your case.
An onshore cookery graduate started an MSA they weren't eligible for and lost time and fees — the Job Ready Program was the correct route. Confirming the program first avoids the detour.
Illustrative only; outcomes depend on your individual circumstances.
Book a confidential consultation with a registered migration agent. We'll confirm your trade occupation, the correct TRA program, and the evidence that proves your hands-on experience.